Technical and political process concerned with the use of land and design of the urban environment
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Rishee Jain is an engineer and an expert in the built environment – the manmade structures of modern life. The future, Jain says, will be a place where everyone has a safe, comfortable place to live and work, and the built environment adapts in real time to our needs. Jain is now exploring cool roofs that reflect heat to lower indoor temperatures and improve occupants' well-being. We once believed that humans bent infrastructure to our needs, but now we understand how infrastructure changes us, too, Jain tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering'sThe Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Rishee JainConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Rishee Jain, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:50) Focus on Built Urban EnvironmentsRishee Jain shares how early hands-on projects inspired his career.(00:04:51) The Social DimensionWhy infrastructure must account for human behavior and social needs.(00:07:03) How Infrastructure Shapes UsExamples of sidewalks, bike lanes, and design choices influencing wellbeing.(00:09:11) Defining Urban FormDefining urban form as design across buildings, neighborhoods, and cities.(00:10:58) Decision-Makers at Every LevelHow policymakers, communities, and building owners shape design.(00:13:38) Dynamic InfrastructureThe shift from static infrastructure to adaptable, responsive systems.(00:15:19) Levers of ChangeUsing thermal and lighting design as key factors for wellbeing.(00:19:36) Climate & Extreme HeatThe impact of extreme heat on building design and vulnerable communities.(00:23:25) Measuring ImpactStudies using wearables to track the benefits of infrastructure interventions.(00:24:25) Community FeedbackThe optimistic research results on infrastructure interventions.(00:26:18) Retrofitting Old BuildingsChallenges in adapting existing infrastructure with minimal disruption.(00:31:12) Future in a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope, infrastructure, research needs, and lessons from history.(00:33:01) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, I connect with Michael Lovato, a former professional triathlete and champion at the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 distances, for a conversation about Boulder real estate, quality of life measures, and how the Boulder Valley promotes and supports a culture of activity.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
In this special episode, Harvard Kennedy School Professor Stephen Goldsmith and Harvard University Graduate School of Design Professor Charles Waldheim co-host a podcast crossover. Pr. Waldheim, host of the Future of the American City podcast and Director of the Office for Urbanization, speaks with Pr. Goldsmith about neighborhood regeneration, community-driven adaptation, and how to incorporate data into established decision-making routines. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and follow us on Twitter.
Fluent Fiction - Korean: Hanok Harmony: Balancing Tradition and Modernity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ko/episode/2025-09-30-22-34-02-ko Story Transcript:Ko: 바람이 시원하게 불어오는 가을날, 한옥마을의 나무들은 다채로운 색깔로 물들었다.En: On a cool, breezy autumn day, the trees in the Hanok Village were painted in various colors.Ko: 추석을 맞이하여 마을 곳곳에는 풍성한 명절 분위기가 가득했다.En: In celebration of Chuseok, the village was filled with the rich atmosphere of the holiday.Ko: 이 전통적이고 평화로운 장소에는 특별한 방문객들이 있었다.En: There were special visitors in this traditional and peaceful place.Ko: 그들은 바로 도시 계획자들이었다.En: They were city planners.Ko: 진수는 그 무리의 리더였다.En: Jinsu was the leader of the team.Ko: 그는 지속 가능한 개발과 문화 유산 보전이라는 두 가지 목표를 동시에 달성하고자 했다.En: He aimed to achieve two goals simultaneously: sustainable development and the preservation of cultural heritage.Ko: 그러나 마을 주민 해진은 새로운 발전 계획이 한옥마을의 전통적 아름다움을 해칠까 걱정이었다.En: However, village resident Haejin was worried that the new development plans might spoil the traditional beauty of the Hanok Village.Ko: 해진은 전통 도자기를 만드는 장인으로서, 그의 작품들은 주로 마을을 찾는 관광객들에게 팔렸다.En: As a craftsman who made traditional pottery, most of his works were sold to tourists visiting the village.Ko: 그는 현대화가 마을의 매력을 잃게 할까 두려웠다.En: He was afraid modernization would make the village lose its charm.Ko: 친절하게 손을 내미는 진수를 마주한 해진은 갈등 속에서도 대화를 시작했다.En: Facing Jinsu, who kindly offered his hand, Haejin began the conversation despite the conflict.Ko: "마을의 전통이 중요합니다," 해진이 말했다.En: "The village's tradition is important," Haejin said.Ko: "관광객들이 이곳을 찾아오는 이유이기도 하지요.En: "It's one of the reasons tourists come here."Ko: "진수는 고개를 끄덕이며 이해를 표했다.En: Jinsu nodded, showing his understanding.Ko: "그 점은 충분히 고민하고 있습니다," 그가 대답했다.En: "I have given that a lot of thought," he replied.Ko: "하지만 지속 가능한 발전도 필요합니다.En: "But sustainable development is also necessary.Ko: 이 두 가지를 잘 조화시킬 방법이 있을까요?En: Is there a way to harmonize these two aspects well?"Ko: "그리하여 그들은 함께 여러 날을 고민하며 지냈다.En: Thus, they spent several days pondering together.Ko: 해진은 마을의 전통적 요소와 중요성을 설명했고, 진수는 도시 계획의 현실적 필요성을 이야기했다.En: Haejin explained the traditional elements and their importance, while Jinsu spoke about the practical needs of urban planning.Ko: 둘 사이에 점차 신뢰가 쌓였다.En: Gradually, trust built between them.Ko: 추석 이틀째 되는 날, 진수는 새로운 계획을 제시했다.En: On the second day of Chuseok, Jinsu presented a new plan.Ko: 그 안에는 친환경 건축재료를 사용한 현대적 건물과 전통 한옥이 어우러져 있었다.En: It included modern buildings using eco-friendly materials alongside traditional hanok.Ko: 마을 광장에서는 마을 주민들이 함께하는 도자기 체험 장을 만들자는 아이디어도 포함되어 있었다.En: The plan also included an idea to create a pottery experience spot in the village square for residents to participate in together.Ko: 마을 회의가 열렸다.En: A village meeting was held.Ko: 모든 주민들이 모인 자리에서 진수는 그의 새로운 계획을 발표했다.En: At the gathering where all the residents came together, Jinsu presented his new plan.Ko: 해진은 그 계획이 얼마나 신중히 고안되었는지 설명하며 진수를 지지했다.En: Haejin supported Jinsu by explaining how carefully the plan was devised.Ko: 조용히 호흡을 고르던 주민들은 천천히 고개를 끄덕였다.En: The residents, after quietly catching their breath, slowly nodded their heads.Ko: 마침내 마을 사람들은 새로운 제안을 받아들였다.En: Finally, the villagers accepted the new proposal.Ko: 그들은 변화가 혁신적이면서도 전통을 존중하는 방향으로 진행될 것임을 이해했다.En: They understood that the change would proceed in a manner that was innovative yet respectful of tradition.Ko: 진수는 마을에서의 시간을 통해 커뮤니티의 목소리를 듣는 것이 얼마나 중요한지 깨달았다.En: Through his time in the village, Jinsu realized how important it was to listen to the community's voice.Ko: 해진 역시 협력을 통해 전통을 지속할 수 있음을 알게 되었다.En: Haejin also came to know that traditions could continue through cooperation.Ko: 추석의 밝은 달빛 아래, 한옥마을은 전통과 현대가 어우러져 빛나는 모습을 보였다.En: Under the bright moonlight of Chuseok, Hanok Village gleamed in a blend of tradition and modernity.Ko: 이제 모든 주민들은 고향의 미래가 창창하다고 믿었다.En: Now, all the residents believed their homeland's future was promising. Vocabulary Words:breezy: 시원한painted: 물들다celebration: 맞이하여special: 특별한urban: 도시atmosphere: 분위기preservation: 보전traditional: 전통적charm: 매력modernization: 현대화harmonize: 조화시키다pondering: 고민하다elements: 요소eco-friendly: 친환경participate: 참여하다gathering: 모인 자리proposal: 제안innovative: 혁신적community: 커뮤니티gleamed: 빛나다blend: 어우러져future: 미래leader: 리더simultaneously: 동시에conflict: 갈등craftsman: 장인kindly: 친절하게trust: 신뢰realize: 깨달았다respectful: 존중하는
There's always that one spot in a city that feels neglected, unwelcoming, or just plain ugly. What if you could redesign it instantly — not with bricks and mortar, but with Augmented Reality and AI? In this episode of New Realities, we talk to Ruoxi Yang, an architecture graduate from TU Munich, who co-developed Draw Your City, a project that allows citizens to reimagine urban spaces in creative and sustainable ways. The concept recently won the New Realities Competition by XR HUB Bavaria and 1E9. Ruoxi shares the inspiration behind the project, how AR and AI can empower people to transform their neighborhoods, and why technology and architecture must go hand in hand to create better futures for our cities.
This episode is brought to you by HalloCasa, the SEO-ranked digital business card for real estate agents. Looking to find the right agent, no matter where you are?Visit https://home.hallocasa.com to discover and connect with top real estate agents globally.In this episode, we speak with Duccio Cardelli, founding partner of AND STUDIO architects in Paris and Shanghai. Duccio shares his philosophy of architecture, the importance of cultural context, and how he approaches projects across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.From starting each project with a "blank mind," to reflections on sustainability, mega-projects, and urban planning in Saudi Arabia, this conversation dives deep into the intersection of design, culture, and innovation.Timestamps00:01:00 Introduction00:02:50 About Duccio's Philosophy and AND STUDIO00:09:30 Embracing Local Culture in Architecture00:16:00 The Blank Mind Approach to New Projects00:22:00 Mega Projects: Asia & Middle East vs. Europe00:28:50 Saudi Arabia vs. China – Development Blueprints00:36:50 Urban Planning in Saudi Arabia: Water & Vertical Farming00:41:40 Duccio's Entrepreneurial Journey00:47:40 Advice for Recent Architecture Graduates00:57:00 Conclusion & Contact InformationIf you're passionate about architecture, urban design, and sustainable development, this is an episode you don't want to miss.Connect with Duccio Cardelli and AND STUDIO:Website: https://www.andstudio.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duccio-cardelli-1501012b/
In this Episode, Kelly is Joined by Open House New York Executive Director Kristin LaBuz! Join them as Kristin tells us how she became an urban enthusiest, growing up in upstate New York. She talks about going to UPENN and studying Urban Planning. She tells us about some of the work that she's done improving communities on her way to working with Open House New York. Kelly asks Kristin about Open House New York Weekend. Kristin tells him about all of the different events and activities that are taking place October 17th-19th, 2025. Kristin tells us how Open House New York got started, and how it was an act of rebellion during a time where things were very closed off. Kelly tells Kristin how much he loves doing the open house events, getting to see private residences, secret rooftops, and the under guts of the city. Kristin talks about raising a child in the city. How the world is her child's teacher and how everthing is amazing to a child. She tells a heartwarming story about how kind New Yorkers can be. Jae asks about the scavenger hunts that Open House New York puts on and Krisitn talks about what go into those and when you can participate. Kelly asks Kristin some rappid fire questions about her time with Open House New York. And finally, Kristin asks Kelly what he would want to see opened up. But above all else; Kristin LaBuz is a New Yorker. Follow Open House New York @OpenHouseNewYork Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Chapters (00:00:00) - Meet The New Yorkers(00:02:44) - Open House New York Weekend(00:05:05) - Open House New York: Kristen and the(00:07:07) - Urban Planner Richard Hayden on the High Line(00:10:34) - Workers bring nature to New York's(00:13:14) - Exploring the City of New York: Open House NYC(00:16:32) - Open House: The Story of(00:18:08) - Open House New York: Unsung Heroes(00:22:02) - What Parents Wish They Knew About New York(00:24:38) - Questions for Parents of Children in New York(00:26:09) - What Makes New York So Great?(00:27:33) - Planning your Open House New York Weekend(00:31:49) - Open House New York Weekend(00:32:30) - DEP Open House New York(00:32:53) - Open House New York 2017(00:33:44) - Open House NY: The Impact(00:34:43) - Exploring Open House New York(00:35:55) - Open House New York: A Personal Story(00:37:35) - What Changed the Way You See NYC?(00:38:36) - What Makes You Fall In Love With New York?(00:39:18) - Open House New York's Scavenger Hunts(00:41:21) - Charlie Pellet(00:43:16) - Exploring New York City's Underground(00:44:38) - What Is It About New Yorkers?(00:46:26) - The New Yorkers: Open House New Yorkers
In this episode, I connect with David Prytherch, Professor of Geography at Miami University in Oxford, OH, for a conversation about transforming our streets back into people-oriented places and his recently published book, Reclaiming the Road: Mobility Justice Beyond Complete Streets.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
The AI trade is reshaping markets and CRE is riding shotgun.A surge of capital into chips and data centers has turned AI into the backbone of U.S. growth — pushing tech spending to dot-com-era highs and doubling data center pipelines.But will it pay off? Alarm bells are ringing that adoption may not match optimism. That could quickly mean swathes of massive data centers sitting vacant.Michael Pearce, deputy chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, sees the opposite problem. On this week's episode, he said adoption curves are running much closer to forecasts.His concern: CRE can't keep up.“All the limits are on the supply side,” he said. “On the demand side it feels limitless.”
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About three quarters of the population in the EU are urbanites. Are you living in an inclusive area, with parks and public spaces you and the other local residents have had a say in designing? Or is that something that seems out of your reach? Nature-based solutions, or NBSs, co-creation, living labs – what do these terms mean and why are they important? Let's turn to our three guests today, all of whom benefited from research and innovation funding: Darko Ferčej is head of the EU project Unit within the Slovenian non-profit institute, E-zavod. His area of interest is transforming policy theories into practical changes that benefit people's lives in urban environments. Laura Fregolent is professor of Urban Planning at the University of Venice in Italy. Over the years she has investigated the processes of urban transformation and sprawl, and the social impact of housing dynamics. Gonçalo Canto Moniz is a professor of Architecture and researcher at the Centre for Social Studies at the University of Coimbra, in Portugal. He is fascinated by the way co-creation of nature-based solutions within our cities can promote more inclusive urban neighbourhoods.
The Auckland apartment market is so dire that a developer is renting instead of selling all the units in one new block. Ockham Residential CEO William Deihl said all the new 10-level 77-unit Whetū in Pt Chevalier would be rented, not sold - sparking discussion about whether apartments have value in the current market. Mt Hobson Group urban planning expert Hamish Firth says apartments can still suit Kiwi buyers - at a certain age and stage. "Perhaps older people or downsizers, perhaps students coming through or perhaps young families with lesser amounts of kids. So I think that it's really good that we've got that variety of housing forms." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Auckland apartment market is so dire that a developer is renting instead of selling all the units in one new block. Ockham Residential CEO William Deihl said all the new 10-level 77-unit Whetū in Pt Chevalier would be rented, not sold - sparking discussion about whether apartments have value in the current market. Mt Hobson Group urban planning expert Hamish Firth says apartments can still suit Kiwi buyers - at a certain age and stage. "Perhaps older people or downsizers, perhaps students coming through or perhaps young families with lesser amounts of kids. So I think that it's really good that we've got that variety of housing forms." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The starting gun has gone off: The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates 25 basis points. Now CRE can be off to the races.At least that's the narrative.In practice, CRE cares more about long-term debt, and the 10-year Treasury ran counter to expectations and actually rose 10 bps, Jim Costello, MSCI's director of real estate economics, said on this week's show. Besides, the industry's problems go far beyond interest rates, and 25 bps isn't large enough to make much difference.“If you want to be successful in CRE, it's not about that home run of capital market forces lifting the value tremendously,” Costello said. “It's going to be a lot of singles and doubles.”That means a focus on proper leasing, getting the right broker, careful analysis of tenants and focusing on operating expenses.How about all that money waiting on the sidelines — will that finally loosen up with the drop in rates?“Here's the thing about dry powder: When you get a little wind, it can blow it away,” Costello said.“If you don't have a situation where managers can place money effectively and hit their IRRs, that dry powder will dissipate.”
In this episode, I connect with Dr. Catherine Elliot, an American living in Winterthur, Switzerland, just outside of Zürich, for a discussion about strategies for overcoming motonormativity, some research that she's been involved with in this realm, including the concept of E-Bike City, and the Moveable initiative.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
If you say you don't want to be political, it's often because the system is already working for you. For those of us who've had to fight for flexibility, access, or equity—that's never been an option. The Privilege of Silence When someone says, “I don't do politics,” what they're really saying is that they're comfortable with the way things are. That comfort signals that their own ease matters more than the discomfort others experience under the same system. For many people—including me—that kind of silence has never been an option. Personal Experience When I became a parent, I had no choice but to advocate for more flexibility in my work life. The traditional nine-to-five structure simply didn't accommodate what my family needed. My husband's self-employment gave us some breathing room, but it still wasn't an ideal solution. I had to push against systems that weren't built with me—or families like mine—in mind. The Political Nature of Advocacy And that's the thing: standing up for what you need, especially when it's outside the norm, is inherently political. Asking for flexibility, becoming a subject matter expert, speaking out publicly—these are all political acts. Women, in particular, have historically carried the burden of caregiving, yet we've rarely been the dominant power in politics. That makes our voices not just necessary, but radical. Historical Context We can't forget the barriers women have faced: being denied property rights, financial independence, even basic autonomy. These aren't ancient struggles—they've shifted within living memory. Cindy Gallup often reminds us, “Women are not the status quo because women have never been the status quo.” That line sticks with me, because it captures how much work still lies ahead. My Work and Its Political Nature The work I do today sits at the intersections of real estate, technology, policy, and community—and all of those domains are deeply political. To engage in them is to challenge entrenched systems, to question who benefits, and to advocate for something better. Conclusion So when someone says they'd rather not be political, what they're really saying is that the system as it stands already benefits them. My own experiences—raising a family in both Canada while working cross-border with the U.S.—have shown me again and again the importance of speaking up, not just for myself, but for those who can't. Because silence may feel safe, but it also keeps things exactly as they are. Key Takeaways Choosing to be “apolitical” often means the current system is serving you well enough to remain silent. Advocacy for time and location flexibility is political because it challenges norms and policy. Caregiving is structurally undervalued yet central to how work and communities function. Publicly sharing your perspective—interviews, posts, speaking—is part of political participation. Policy shows up in daily life: schedules, pay, housing, urban planning, and technology access. Individual comfort can conflict with collective progress; silence sustains the status quo. Memorable Quotes “Standing up and asking for what you want when it's not the norm is a political act.” “To be a caregiver is to be fundamentally political.” “When you say you don't want to be political, it's because that system works for you.” “Women are not the status quo because women have never been the status quo.” — Cindy Gallup Mentions Remote work, hybrid work, and time flexibility as levers for equity. Historical barriers to women's financial autonomy (bank accounts, credit, lending). Cindy Gallup and MakeLoveNotPorn (context: women, power, and status quo). Corporate context: Canadian company with U.S. market dynamics and reputation considerations. Listener Reflection Prompts Where does your ability to stay “apolitical” rely on comfort or existing structures? What flexibility would materially change your capacity to care for others and do your best work? What is one small public action you can take this week to align your values and voice? Call to Action Share this episode with someone navigating caregiving and rigid work norms. Send your story or question about advocating for flexibility to be featured in a future episode. If this resonated, rate and follow Hope and Possibilities to support more conversations like this. Episode Tags Caregiving, Flexible Work, Remote Work, Hybrid Work, Privilege, Gender Equity, Policy, Workplace Culture, Urban Planning, Reputation Risk, Leadership, Advocacy
Follow Jennifer Posner on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermposner/Follow Miami Resilience on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiresilience/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiresilience/Follow us on Instagram and on X!Created by SOUR, this podcast is part of the studio's "Future of X,Y,Z" research, where the collaborative discussion outcomes serve as the base for the futuristic concepts built in line with the studio's mission of solving urban, social and environmental problems through intelligent designs.Make sure to visit our website and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts so you never miss an episode. If you found value in this show, we would appreciate it if you could head over to iTunes to rate and leave a review – or you can simply tell your friends about the show!Don't forget to join us next week for another episode. Thank you for listening!
Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the rich history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1878, this evangelical church, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, has remained steadfast in its theological convictions while navigating cultural, political, and social changes over 150 years. From its founding by Civil War veterans to its role in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy, urban challenges, and the revitalization under pastor Mark Dever, this episode uncovers what makes this church a unique case study in American Christianity. Learn how Capitol Hill Baptist has maintained its gospel-centered mission amidst D.C.'s evolving landscape, including its response to suburbanization, gentrification, and even a lawsuit against the city during COVID-19.CHAPTERS:(00:01 - Introduction)(00:24 - What Makes Capitol Hill Baptist Unique?)(03:33 - Founding and Early History (1878))(05:42 - Capsule Summary of the Church's History)(09:24 - The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy)(14:56 - Suburbanization and Desegregation in the Mid-20th Century)(20:54 - Urban Planning and Parking Lot Disputes)(22:12 - Racial Integration and Social Engagement)(27:31 - The Marion Barry Era and Urban Violence)(32:13 - Mark Dever's Arrival and Church Revitalization)(35:50 - Gentrification and Its Impact)(38:38 - COVID-19 Lawsuit and Church Response)(41:38 - Commitment to Single-Service Gatherings)(45:09 - Political Engagement Over Time)(49:17 - The Importance of Institutions)(52:11 - Closing Remarks)CALEB MORELL'S LINKS:
It's a high-pressure year for multifamily. Looming maturities, tough capital markets, changing policies, a major shake-up of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on the horizon and intensified national attention are all converging to complicate the sector.But multifamily fundamentals are strong, Sharon Karaffa, president of multifamily debt and structured finance at Newmark, said on this week's episode.“Absorption has been very high and vacancies are very low. Most of the supply wave is behind us,” she said. “So we think we're on the upswing.”The ending of the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could disrupt the market, depending on how exactly it happens.Karaffa said it is critical that the privatized organizations have a line to the Treasury to maintain affordability, that a strict regulatory framework is put in place to avoid the mess of the Global Financial Crisis and that the agencies are not combined — the market needs both to keep competition alive.
In this episode, I connect with Peter Nouwen from 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands for a discussion about the productivity benefits of having healthy, active employees and the curious, nonsensical policy practices of many employers that incentivize driving a car rather than taking transit, walking, or cycling to work. We launch into the discussion by channeling Jason Slaughter's Not Just Bikes Gym of Life video and give a hat tip to Mark Wagenbuur with the BicycleDutch ChannelHelpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
Global bond markets are under siege and CRE is caught in the crossfire.UK 30-year gilt yields surged to their highest level since 1998, and volatility in U.S. Treasuries has repeatedly brushed them against 5%.For commercial real estate, that means more expensive debt, climbing cap rates and global investors second-guessing allocations.Christopher Stanley, banking industry practice lead at Moody's Analytics, said the tightness of the spread shows increased competition in the market, but the entire yield curve has moved up considerably.That's going to hit net operating income, and Stanley said staying on top of liquidity and forecasting out volatility all the way through the life cycle of the project have become crucial.“When we're in a nervous economy like we're in right now, everyone immediately jumps to what kind of credit problems are there going to be,” Stanley said on the show. “Credit is a part of it, but we're really playing a balance sheet management game.”
In this episode, I finally connect with Nick Falbo to nerd out on the history of protected bike lanes and protected intersections in the United States, how we got so off-track, and how he is leveraging the Dutch cycle network design standards to build world-class infrastructure here in North America while working with the Dutch firm Mobycon.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana in 2005 and is still the costliest disaster in U.S. history. New Orleans, a city resting below sea level, is uniquely dependent on engineering for its safety. On August 29th, nearly every defense seemed to fail, allowing storm surge to flood 80% of the city. As terrible as the storm itself, arguably, were the human failures that contributed to what happened to New Orleans during and after Katrina—flaws in planning, infrastructure, governance, and social equity. Yet change is possible. And in the intervening years, New Orleans has become known globally as a leader in preparedness, adaptation and recovery knowledge. New Orleanians are weary of being praised for their resilience. In the past five years alone, the metro area has faced 17 federally declared national disasters—four times the national average. And the challenge of long-term adaptation can be especially overwhelming, especially at a time when consensus seems nearly impossible. But there is no substitute for New Orleans. Its people, environment, culture, and history add up to an inimitable home worth sustaining. In this episode, longtime friend of Ten Across Jeff Hébert joins us to talk about the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—the recovery process and the lessons in it that continue to resonate for the future of all our communities. Today, Jeff is chief executive officer for HR&A Advisors. In the years after Katrina, as a New Orleans native and urban planner, he served as a director with the Louisiana Recovery Authority and as a senior official in Mayor Mitch Landrieu's administration. He was also among the first chief resilience officers appointed under The Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities program. Ten Across founder Duke Reiter talks with Jeff about how his experiences with the long game of adaptation and recovery in New Orleans and beyond have shaped his perspective and his work. Relevant articles and resources “Trump's former FEMA chief opens up — and says administration is ‘delaying' aid” (Politico, August 2025) “20 years after Katrina, New Orleans' levees are sinking and short on money” (Grist, August 2025) “Coastal communities restoring marshes, dunes, reefs to protect against rising seas and storm surges” (AP News, August 2025) “Government to keep sharing key satellite data for hurricane forecasting despite planned cutoff” (AP News, July 2025) “Forced to Move: An Analysis of Hurricane Katrina Movers” (U.S. Census Bureau, June 2011) “Race, socioeconomic status, and return migration to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina” (Population and Environment, December 2009) Related Ten Across Conversations podcasts Katrina's 20th: Vann R. Newkirk II on What We Owe Climate Disaster Survivors Today Governing Through Times of Crisis and Opportunity with Mayor Mitch Landrieu — Part One Governing Through Times of Crisis and Opportunity with Mayor Mitch Landrieu — Part Two Investing in New Orleans' Future with GNOF CEO Andy Kopplin CreditsHost: Duke ReiterProducer and editor: Taylor Griffith Music by: Hanna Lindgren, Lupus Nocte, Hushed Research and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Maya Chari, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler About our guest Jeff Hébert is chief executive officer and partner at HR&A Advisors, an urban development consulting firm with offices across the U.S., whose mission is to ensure their clients succeed in creating equitable and resilient communities. Prior to joining HR&A, Jeff served as Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the City of New Orleans' first deputy mayor, chief administrative officer, and chief resilience officer. He also served as executive director of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, Vice President of Adaptation and Resilience for The Water Institute, and director of community planning for the Louisiana Recovery Authority.
Get access to metatrends 10+ years before anyone else - https://qr.diamandis.com/metatrends Dave Blundin is the founder & GP of Link Ventures Dr. Alexander Wissner-Gross is a computer scientist and founder of Reified, focused on AI and complex systems. – My companies: Reverse the age of my skin using the same cream at https://qr.diamandis.com/oneskinpod Apply to Dave's and my new fund:https://qr.diamandis.com/linkventureslanding –- Connect with Peter: X Instagram Connect with Dave: X LinkedIn Connect with Alex Website LinkedIn X Email Listen to MOONSHOTS: Apple YouTube – *Recorded on September 2nd, 2025 *The views expressed by me and all guests are personal opinions and do not constitute Financial, Medical, or Legal advice. -------- Chapters 02:50 - The Importance of Positive News in Tech 05:49 - Education and the Future of Learning 09:02 - AI Wars: Colossus II and Hardware Scaling 12:02 - Training vs. Inference in AI Models 18:02 - Elon Musk's XAI and Recruitment Strategies 20:47 - The Rise of NanoBanana and AI in Media 26:38 - Google's AI-Powered Live Translation 29:03 - The Future of Language and Cultural Diversity 48:07 - AI Disruption in Language Learning 51:56 - The Future of SaaS Companies 57:28 - NVIDIA's Market Position and AI Chips 59:51 - China's AI Chip Landscape 01:03:13 - India's AI Infrastructure Revolution 01:11:11 - The Concept of AI Governance 01:15:16 - Economic Implications of AI Investment 01:19:54 - AI in Healthcare Innovations 01:36:32 - The Future of Urban Planning with AI 01:40:39 - Electricity Costs and AI's Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
NIMBY vs YIMBY? Is saying “no” to change protecting community character — or blocking the homes our cities desperately need? In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan O’Brien, lead organizer of YIMBY Melbourne, to unpack what’s at stake when communities resist — or embrace — change. We dig into whether opposing development is simply selfish or a legitimate defense of lifestyle and character, and whether YIMBY optimism sometimes overlooks practical realities. From heritage streetscapes and leafy suburbs to missing-middle density and downsizer demand, this is a frank look at the trade-offs that come with growth. Jonathan also explores the politics of planning: why local councils resist, why states override, and why those locked out of housing are the most under-represented stakeholders in the debate. We tackle sensitive questions about fairness: who pays when new homes aren’t built, and who loses when change does come? If you’ve ever wondered why housing reform feels so stuck, and why both sides of the NIMBY/YIMBY divide can be right and wrong at the same time, this episode will challenge assumptions and reframe the conversation. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome 01:14 – Jonathan O'Brien's and YIMBY Melbourne 01:48 – Progress and Challenges in Melbourne's Housing Policy 03:21 – Success Stories and Comparisons with Sydney 04:44 – Docklands: A Controversial Development 07:39 – The Missing Middle and Medium Density Housing 22:06 – Balancing Heritage and Development 28:39 – Planning Regulation Challenges 30:01 – Developer Strategies and Urban Planning 31:39 – Heritage and Housing Density 32:47 – Quality Concerns in New Developments 35:07 – Zoning and Urban Planning Dynamics 38:27 – Economic and Social Impacts of Rezoning 41:53 – Balancing Development and Community Needs 50:13 – State vs. Local Control in Urban Planning 52:05 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts About the Guest Jonathan O’Brien is the lead organizer of YIMBY Melbourne, an advocate for smarter housing policy, and an award-winning writer and publisher. A passionate voice for effective altruism and urban reform, he works to shift the conversation around density, planning, and affordability toward more equitable outcomes. With a background in community organizing and a commitment to evidence-based change, Jonathan brings both sharp analysis and lived experience to the often polarizing debate between NIMBYs and YIMBYs. His mission: to help shape cities that are inclusive, adaptable, and built for the next generation. Connect with Jonathan Website: https://jonobri.com/ YIMBY Melbourne website: https://www.yimby.melbourne/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonobridotcom/ X: https://x.com/jonobri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonobri/ Resources Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey! See you on the inside, Veronica & ChrisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I finally connect with Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, for a ride down memory lane, reminiscing about his time in Missoula, MT, his role as Executive Director at Transportation Alternatives in NYC, and serving as the final driver in Central Park and then we catch up on his more recent activities focussing on Parks and Trails from his new home base in Upstate New York. This is a fun one featuring cameos from our favorite A.U.T.O. lobbyist, Veronica Moss, also known as Kate McKinnon, Clarence with Streetfilms, JSK, and even Robert "Bob" De Niro.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
The Michael Yardney Podcast | Property Investment, Success & Money
Today I'm joined by Ross Elli, a respected urban thinker and commentator, and we discuss something most politicians and planners are ignoring: the danger of concentrating 70% of Australia's population into just eight capital cities, and doing it without a real plan. We explore the challenges of infrastructure, the concept of the missing middle in housing, and the need for a national settlement strategy to address the growing population and its impact on quality of life. Whether you're a property investor, policymaker, or simply someone sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic wondering where it all went wrong, this episode of the Michael Yardney Podcast is going to challenge the way you think about growth, planning, and the future of our cities. Takeaways · Australia's population growth is concentrated in a few major cities. · High-density living does not necessarily reduce traffic congestion. · There is a significant gap in housing supply and demand. · The concept of the 'missing middle' in housing is contentious. · Infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth. · Regional centers can offer a better quality of life than major cities. · Government policies need to address urban planning holistically. · Decentralization strategies have not been effectively implemented in Australia. · Community opposition often hinders new housing developments. · A national settlement strategy is essential for sustainable growth. Chapters 00:00 The Urban Dilemma: Population Growth and Infrastructure 07:31 The Myths of Density and Urban Planning 12:38 The Missing Middle: Densification Challenges 17:55 Regional Opportunities: Rethinking Settlement Strategies 23:08 Decentralization: Lessons from the Past 28:18 Future Visions: A Balanced Australia Links and Resources: Answer this week's trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au · Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing. Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond. Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us. Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here. Ross Elliott – Urban Development Thought Leader. https://www.rosselliott.com.au/ Subscribe to Ross Elliott's blog here. https://thefingeronthepulse.blogspot.com/ Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at www.PodcastBonus.com.au Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.
Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933–1945 (DOM, 2025) is edited by Uwe Altrock, Harald Bodenschatz, Victoria Grau, Jannik Noeske, Christiane Post, and Max Welch Guerra. The book includes contributions from Christian von Oppen, Piero Sassi, and Jannik Noeske. Two co-editors, Victoria Grau and Max Welch Guerra, join the New Books Network to discuss this work. In this book, urban planning under the Nazi dictatorship is for the first time examined not only as something that evolved during the different periods of Nazi rule but also in the context of other European dictatorships of the time. The period between 1933 and 1945 saw important changes in the focus of Nazi urban planning. These affected the cast of principal actors, the content of the regime's propaganda, cities and areas affected, programs and practices, and winners and losers. The result of this survey is a multi-layered picture that goes beyond the usual presentation of well-known power-projecting buildings to consider a range of other important aspects including housing construction, urban renewal, internal colonization, buildings for rearmament, large-scale infrastructure, industrial areas, educational institutions, and camps. This volume marks the conclusion of a series of academic publications about urban planning and dictatorship – in the Soviet Union, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933-1945 is the English language edition of Stadtbau im Nationalsozialismus: Angriff, Triumph, Terror im europäischen Kontext, 1933–1945. Guests: Victoria Grau is a researcher in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Sen. Prof. Dr. Max Welch Guerra is the Chair of Spatial Planning and Spatial Research at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Find Jenna on Scholars@Duke or her Linktree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933–1945 (DOM, 2025) is edited by Uwe Altrock, Harald Bodenschatz, Victoria Grau, Jannik Noeske, Christiane Post, and Max Welch Guerra. The book includes contributions from Christian von Oppen, Piero Sassi, and Jannik Noeske. Two co-editors, Victoria Grau and Max Welch Guerra, join the New Books Network to discuss this work. In this book, urban planning under the Nazi dictatorship is for the first time examined not only as something that evolved during the different periods of Nazi rule but also in the context of other European dictatorships of the time. The period between 1933 and 1945 saw important changes in the focus of Nazi urban planning. These affected the cast of principal actors, the content of the regime's propaganda, cities and areas affected, programs and practices, and winners and losers. The result of this survey is a multi-layered picture that goes beyond the usual presentation of well-known power-projecting buildings to consider a range of other important aspects including housing construction, urban renewal, internal colonization, buildings for rearmament, large-scale infrastructure, industrial areas, educational institutions, and camps. This volume marks the conclusion of a series of academic publications about urban planning and dictatorship – in the Soviet Union, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933-1945 is the English language edition of Stadtbau im Nationalsozialismus: Angriff, Triumph, Terror im europäischen Kontext, 1933–1945. Guests: Victoria Grau (she/her), *1999, studied Urban Studies at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and at University College Dublin. Since 2022 research assistant at the Chair of Spatial Planning and Spatial Research at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Research focus: Relationship between planning, politics and economy in European metropolitan centers in the 20th and 21st century. PhD project: History of the discipline of urban planning and its reception after 1945.Max Welch Guerra (he/him), *1956, political scientist (FU Berlin), since 2003 head of chair for spatial planning and spatial research at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Research and teaching on spatial planning and politics with a focus on German and European history in the 20th century. Member of the International Planning History Society (IPHS), the Academic Advisory Board of the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds / Zeppelin Grandstand and Zeppelin Field, Nuremberg, and Chairman of the Academic Advisory Board of the Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association (ARL). . Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Find Jenna on Scholars@Duke or her Linktree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/german-studies
Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933–1945 (DOM, 2025) is edited by Uwe Altrock, Harald Bodenschatz, Victoria Grau, Jannik Noeske, Christiane Post, and Max Welch Guerra. The book includes contributions from Christian von Oppen, Piero Sassi, and Jannik Noeske. Two co-editors, Victoria Grau and Max Welch Guerra, join the New Books Network to discuss this work. In this book, urban planning under the Nazi dictatorship is for the first time examined not only as something that evolved during the different periods of Nazi rule but also in the context of other European dictatorships of the time. The period between 1933 and 1945 saw important changes in the focus of Nazi urban planning. These affected the cast of principal actors, the content of the regime's propaganda, cities and areas affected, programs and practices, and winners and losers. The result of this survey is a multi-layered picture that goes beyond the usual presentation of well-known power-projecting buildings to consider a range of other important aspects including housing construction, urban renewal, internal colonization, buildings for rearmament, large-scale infrastructure, industrial areas, educational institutions, and camps. This volume marks the conclusion of a series of academic publications about urban planning and dictatorship – in the Soviet Union, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933-1945 is the English language edition of Stadtbau im Nationalsozialismus: Angriff, Triumph, Terror im europäischen Kontext, 1933–1945. Guests: Victoria Grau (she/her), *1999, studied Urban Studies at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and at University College Dublin. Since 2022 research assistant at the Chair of Spatial Planning and Spatial Research at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Research focus: Relationship between planning, politics and economy in European metropolitan centers in the 20th and 21st century. PhD project: History of the discipline of urban planning and its reception after 1945.Max Welch Guerra (he/him), *1956, political scientist (FU Berlin), since 2003 head of chair for spatial planning and spatial research at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Research and teaching on spatial planning and politics with a focus on German and European history in the 20th century. Member of the International Planning History Society (IPHS), the Academic Advisory Board of the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds / Zeppelin Grandstand and Zeppelin Field, Nuremberg, and Chairman of the Academic Advisory Board of the Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association (ARL). . Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Find Jenna on Scholars@Duke or her Linktree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/architecture
Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933–1945 (DOM, 2025) is edited by Uwe Altrock, Harald Bodenschatz, Victoria Grau, Jannik Noeske, Christiane Post, and Max Welch Guerra. The book includes contributions from Christian von Oppen, Piero Sassi, and Jannik Noeske. Two co-editors, Victoria Grau and Max Welch Guerra, join the New Books Network to discuss this work. In this book, urban planning under the Nazi dictatorship is for the first time examined not only as something that evolved during the different periods of Nazi rule but also in the context of other European dictatorships of the time. The period between 1933 and 1945 saw important changes in the focus of Nazi urban planning. These affected the cast of principal actors, the content of the regime's propaganda, cities and areas affected, programs and practices, and winners and losers. The result of this survey is a multi-layered picture that goes beyond the usual presentation of well-known power-projecting buildings to consider a range of other important aspects including housing construction, urban renewal, internal colonization, buildings for rearmament, large-scale infrastructure, industrial areas, educational institutions, and camps. This volume marks the conclusion of a series of academic publications about urban planning and dictatorship – in the Soviet Union, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933-1945 is the English language edition of Stadtbau im Nationalsozialismus: Angriff, Triumph, Terror im europäischen Kontext, 1933–1945. Guests: Victoria Grau is a researcher in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Sen. Prof. Dr. Max Welch Guerra is the Chair of Spatial Planning and Spatial Research at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Find Jenna on Scholars@Duke or her Linktree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies
Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933–1945 (DOM, 2025) is edited by Uwe Altrock, Harald Bodenschatz, Victoria Grau, Jannik Noeske, Christiane Post, and Max Welch Guerra. The book includes contributions from Christian von Oppen, Piero Sassi, and Jannik Noeske. Two co-editors, Victoria Grau and Max Welch Guerra, join the New Books Network to discuss this work. In this book, urban planning under the Nazi dictatorship is for the first time examined not only as something that evolved during the different periods of Nazi rule but also in the context of other European dictatorships of the time. The period between 1933 and 1945 saw important changes in the focus of Nazi urban planning. These affected the cast of principal actors, the content of the regime's propaganda, cities and areas affected, programs and practices, and winners and losers. The result of this survey is a multi-layered picture that goes beyond the usual presentation of well-known power-projecting buildings to consider a range of other important aspects including housing construction, urban renewal, internal colonization, buildings for rearmament, large-scale infrastructure, industrial areas, educational institutions, and camps. This volume marks the conclusion of a series of academic publications about urban planning and dictatorship – in the Soviet Union, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Urban Planning in Nazi Germany: Attack, Triumph, Terror in the European Context, 1933-1945 is the English language edition of Stadtbau im Nationalsozialismus: Angriff, Triumph, Terror im europäischen Kontext, 1933–1945. Guests: Victoria Grau is a researcher in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Sen. Prof. Dr. Max Welch Guerra is the Chair of Spatial Planning and Spatial Research at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Find Jenna on Scholars@Duke or her Linktree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode of First Draft Live is presented by Agora.The godfather of the CMBS market issued a warning that commercial real estate is not out of the woods of its downturn, which is a potential problem for the U.S. economy. “The losses in CRE are so big that the rippling effect of those losses to the economy are so big that they could be quite harmful,” Ethan Penner, the founder of Mosaic Real Estate Investors, said on this week's First Draft Live.Roughly $23B of CMBS loans have matured without a resolution, and more than 10% are delinquent or in special servicing. Yet the CMBS lending market is roaring, with $60B in new debt issued in just the first six months of this year.“The truth is there are massive, massive losses in real estate,” said Penner, who is credited with inventing the commercial mortgage-backed security in the early 1990s. “These are breathtaking losses, and I think that clearly the system hasn't recognized that on any level.”Penner also spoke about his candidacy for the California governor's race in 2026, with a platform focused on deregulation and a radical new approach to the homelessness crisis in the state.“I don't know where the toilets are in the state house, that makes me an outsider,” he said. “But I do know that the systems are broken.”Register on Bisnow.com to join the next conversation live, or check back here for the conversation after it airs.
In this episode, I connect with Jennifer Hamelman, the Former Director of Routes at the Adventure Cycling Association, for a conversation about the USBRS (United States Bicycle Route System), the joys of bicycle travel and bicycle touring, and what she'd like to do next related to food systems. Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
Could rethinking our cities through a circular lens be the key to future-proofing Europe whilst offering exciting investment opportunities?Join us in the third of our five-part Circling Back series of the Circular Economy Show, to hear host Lou Waldegrave speak with Julia Okatz from Systemiq and Joss Bleriot, Executive Lead for Policy and Institutions at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.They discuss how circular economy strategies can, by bringing nature back into our built environments, help us adapt to extreme weather—cooling down cities, restoring green space, and building resilience into every street—while generating substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits.From Paris to Berlin, and cities across the continent, Europe's urban centres are feeling the effects of heat domes and climate stress. But, the circular economy offers a powerful, nature-positive way forward.Find out more about circular cities.This conversation originally featured in episode 159: How to build a nature-positive circular economy for Europe, published in September 2024.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.
If you had to dash out for a bottle of milk, could you just stroll to the supermarket? If the answer's yes, you might be living in a 15-minute city. What are these neighbourhoods, exactly, and why do conspiracy theorists hate them?
This episode of First Draft Live is presented by Agora.It's been a chaotic year for the construction industry. Between a volatile tariff regime, elevated interest rates and increased pressures on its labor force, contractors have had to navigate one of the most difficult environments in recent memory. On this week's First Draft Live, Shawmut Design and Construction CEO Les Hiscoe breaks down the impacts of the uncertainty and how his $2B Boston-based company is handling the turmoil. “When things aren't known and you can't really plan on them in our industry, you can't give our clients predictability,” he said on the show.While many developers are responding to the moment by delaying projects — Hiscoe said one of his clients won't start building until interest rates fall a full percentage point — Shawmut is advising them against it as the impacts of tariffs have yet to fully be realized.“Waiting is a mistake,” he said.Register on Bisnow.com to join next Friday's conversation live, or check back here for the conversation after it airs.
In this episode, we'll head back to the Netherlands for a somewhat surprising conversation with Christian Ratering, a Senior Policy Maker with the village of Renkum, about some bold actions being taken as part of an official policy, the Renkum Mobility Vision Plan (MVP), to make the community truly safe and inviting for all ages and abilities. We'll also discuss his doctoral studies about how people with a variety of anxiety disorders navigate their world and interact with mobility infrastructure.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
Gediminas Lesutis works at the intersection of global politics, human geography, and critical theory. In 2018, he completed a PhD in Politics at the University of Manchester, UK. This was followed by a 3.5-year research fellowship in Geography at the University of Cambridge and Darwin College, Cambridge, UK. He is currently a Marie Curie Fellow in the Department of Geography, Urban Planning, and International Development Studies, at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. A note from Lev:I am a high school teacher of history and economics at a public high school in NYC, and began the podcast to help demystify economics for teachers. The podcast is now within the top 2% of podcasts worldwide in terms of listeners (per Listen Notes) and individual episodes are frequently listed by The Syllabus (the-syllabus.com) as among the 10 best political economy podcasts of a particular week. The podcast is reaching thousands of listeners each month. The podcast seeks to provide a substantive alternative to mainstream economics media; to communicate information and ideas that contribute to equitable and peaceful solutions to political and economic issues; and to improve the teaching of high school and university political economy. Best, Lev
Steep cuts are coming to SNAP benefits, better known as food stamps. And that's bad news for grocery stores that see the bulk of their sales from SNAP dollars. The Gulf States Newsroom's Stephan Bisaha reports from one independent grocery store in Alabama bracing for the cuts.An unprecedented natural disaster is a dramatic way to learn hard lessons about how we plan and construct our cities. Yet Hurricane Katrina, 20 years ago, did just that for New Orleans. Since Katrina, New Orleans has been trying to make buildings and infrastructure more resilient, while preserving the city's cultural identity. David Dixon, a nationally recognized urban planner, helped draft the city's post-Katrina Master Plan. He joins us to discuss the lessons he learned. For more than three decades, reporter Robin Fambrough has kept her readers updated on prep high school sports. From basketball, to softball, wrestling, cross country and more, Fambrough has often brought a voice to underrepresented sports, athletes and coaches. She was the first female president of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and first female sports writer inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, among other accolades.Fambrough has recently announced her retirement. As she prepares to leave the prep school beat behind, she joins us for more on her life and career.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Adam Vos. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!
The revelation that shattered systems thinking: Replacing every combustion car with electric vehicles improves urban efficiency by only 6%—revealing why isolated optimizations fail in complex ecosystems.Dr. Parfait Atchadé from MIT Media Lab discovered this through quantum-enhanced urban modeling in Boston's Kendall Square. His breakthrough: humanized AI agents with emotional architectures that "live" in virtual cities for decades of compressed time, then vote on configurations—exposing the systematic failure of single-variable optimization. Paradigm Shifts:→ The Single-Solution Trap: Complex systems require the vast majority of improvements from interconnected changes—individual optimizations create illusion of progress while missing systemic impact→ Quantum Superposition Planning: Test multiple city configurations simultaneously rather than sequential scenarios—compress 40 years of urban experience into months of simulation→ Agents with Feelings: AI agents embedded with emotional models (joy, fear, anger, sadness) provide qualitative experience data impossible to capture from human stakeholders→ Portfolio Voting Revolution: Beyond binary decisions—split voting percentages across options like investment portfolios, enabling nuanced collective optimization→ Traditional systems modeling: Sequential scenario testing vs. Quantum approach: Parallel reality simulation with dramatic efficiency gainsThe Innovation: Humanized Agent-Based Modeling (h-ABM) creates digital beings with memory, perception, and emotional responses that navigate virtual systems, accumulating experiences and providing stakeholder insights traditional analytics cannot capture.Strategic Application: Any complex ecosystem requiring multi-stakeholder optimization—from organizational transformation to supply chain design—can leverage quantum-enhanced modeling with emotionally-intelligent agents.Strategic Reframe: The most adaptive ecosystems will shift from asking "How do we optimize individual components?" to understanding: "How do we architect systems where quantum-enhanced agents can help us reveal the hidden interdependencies that single-solution approaches systematically miss?"#EcosystemicFutures #QuantumComputing #SystemsThinking #UrbanPlanning #MIT #ComplexSystems #AgentBasedModelingGuest: Dr. Parfait Atchadé, Research Affiliate, MIT Media Lab | Strategic Business Officer, Lighthouse DIGHost: Marco Annunziata, Co-founder, Annunziata & Desai AdvisorsSeries Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin WorksEcosystemic Futures is provided by NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project in collaboration with Shoshin Works.
This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, Jim Hunt interviews Chelsey Jersak, Founder of Situate · A candid conversation about urban planning and and, much more 7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode. Links Mentions During Show: https://situateinc.ca/ · www.AmazingCities.org · www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast About Chelsey Jersak is the founder and principal of Situate, an urban planning consulting firm in Edmonton offering rezoning, permitting, subdivision and strategic advisory services for infill projects across the city. Chelsey became familiar with IDEA soon after the organization formed, back when she was a city planner with the City of Edmonton. After moving to the private sector and starting Situate, Chelsey enthusiastically joined the IDEA board and has since filled many roles, including chairing the community relations and policy subcommittees, and serving as vice president, president and now past president. Chelsey's area of focus on the board is strategy; she supports the organization in scaling up its oomph and impact through regular strategic planning sessions and tangible objectives and key results. She's also passionate about connecting the dots between urban redevelopment, climate action, and social wellbeing. Chelsey holds a Bachelor's degree in Regional and Urban Development and a Master's degree in Human Geography. She is a Registered Professional Planner and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Her hobbies include downhill skiing and partner dancing, particularly an obscure Brazilian dance called Zouk. She also has an insatiable love for dill pickles. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City. Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City” Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine. Today, Jim speaks to 1000's of local government officials each year in the US and abroad. Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government. Amazing City Resources: Buy Jim's Popular Books: · The Entrepreneurial City: Building Smarter Governments through Entrepreneurial Thinking: https://www.amazingcities.org/copy-of-the-amazing-city · The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city · Bottom Line Green: How America's Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too FREE White Paper: · “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown” www.AmazingCities.org/10-Steps Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: · Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at www.AmazingCities.org/Speaking Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: · Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: · Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast: www.BearingAdvisors.Net
The original Opportunity Zone program drove more than $100B into real estate and business investment, but it also faced criticism it missed its mark, failing to spur development in the areas that needed it most.The One Big Beautiful Bill Act just made OZs permanent and it aims to fix all that, tightening the rules on what areas may be designated OZs, lowering the area median income threshold and heavily incentivizing rural development.On this week's First Draft Live, Steve Glickman — co-author of the original OZ program and CEO of Statt — said OZs have been a wild success, especially at spurring much-needed housing.“You're talking bang for the buck that's unparalleled,” he said.Glickman said the new rules will make OZ 2.0 even better, though how much it drives rural development all comes down to designating sites at “the nexus between need and investability.”Register on Bisnow.com to join next Friday's conversation live, or check back here for the conversation after it airs.
In this episode, I welcome back Chris Bruntlett to the podcast for a chat about his reflections on his recent visit to China representing the Dutch Cycling Embassy. I think you'll be surprised at the scale and pace of the cycling infrastructure (re)emerging across the country.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
In this episode, Adam takes you to Guimarães, Portugal, where he attended The Future Design of Streets conference, and came away seeing our streets in a whole new way.Streets aren't only about transport, of course. Importantly, they're about climate, equity, social life, and how we experience a city day-to-day.To explore this expanded view, we've put together four conversations with global thought-leaders shaping the future of our streets:Maria Vassilakou: The former Green Vice Mayor of Vienna, who led a decade of transformation in public space, mobility, and citizen participation. Under her leadership, Vienna became a model for affordable, accessible public transport.Demetrio Scopelliti: Architect and Director of Urban Planning and Public Space at Milan's AMAT agency, working on the front lines of environmental and spatial transformation in one of Europe's major cities.Agustina Martire: Architect, Reader at Queen's University Belfast, specialised in the study of everyday streets, their fabric, histories and experiences, through the StreetSpace project. She is especially interested in the way people experience the built environment and how design can enable a more inclusive and just urban space.David Sim: Architect and author of Soft City: Building Density for Everyday Life. David brings a human-scale lens to urban design and planning. David talks about designing for comfort, connection, and how good cities make us feel.More about the conference: thefuturedesignofstreets.euFor ad-free listening, behind-the-scenes and bonus content and to help support the podcast - head to (https://www.patreon.com/StreetsAheadPodcast). We'll even send you some stickers! We're also on Bluesky and welcome your feedback on our episode: https://bsky.app/profile/podstreetsahead.bsky.social Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What are you hopeful about? Is it okay to drive a semi-truck? Do you dare me to read Merchants of Doubt in a week? In this very special episode, Rollie and Nicole answer these questions and also other questions from our super cool and fun Patreon community. BONUS EPISODES available on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/deniersplaybook) SOCIALS & MORE (https://linktr.ee/deniersplaybook) WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH US? Please contact sponsors@multitude.productions CREDITS Created by: Rollie Williams, Nicole Conlan & Ben BoultHosts: Rollie Williams & Nicole ConlanExecutive Producer: Ben Boult Editors: Paul Ramsdell & Laura ConteProducers: Daniella Philipson, Irene PlagianosFact Checking: Canute HaroldsonMusic: Tony Domenick Art: Jordan Doll Special Thanks: The Civil Liberties Defense CenterSOURCESAhmed, N., & Harlan, C. (2025, April 12). Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change. The Washington Post.Climate Town. (2023, July 17). Parking Laws Are Strangling America | Climate Town. Www.youtube.com.Edwards, B. (2025, July 12). The A-list passengers who have swapped luxury travel for humble public transport as Dua Lipa was pictured travelling via Kings Cross. Mail Online; Daily Mail.Ekin Karasin. (2025, June 4). Noel Gallagher stuns London commuters as Oasis star spotted on Tube. The Standard; Evening Standard.Grabar, H. (2023). Paved Paradise. Penguin.Jacobs, J. (1961). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Random House.Kenner, R. (2014). Merchants of Doubt. Www.documentaryarea.com.Mau, V. (2025, March 14). Domestic Market Penetration Rate for New EV Cars Exceeded 50% for Seven Consecutive Months - Climate Scorecard. Climate Scorecard.Nolan, H. (2025, July 15). When Do You Need to Quit Your Job? Hamiltonnolan.com; How Things Work.Oreskes, N., & Conway, E. M. (2010). Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. Bloomsbury.Romm, J. (2022). Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know. New York: Oxford University Press.Shoup, D. C. (2017). The High Cost of Free Parking. London and New York: Routledge.Singh, A. (2025, June 29). Viral Map Shows Paris' Pollution Drop As City Trades Cars For Bike Lanes. NDTV.Taylor, A. (2025, July 10). The Atlantic. The Atlantic; theatlantic.Ulin, D. L. (2015). Sidewalking: Coming to Terms with Los Angeles. University of California Press.Valente, D. (2024, November 7). NYC Subway Ridership Reaches A Record One Billion In 2024. Secret NYC.William Rosales, D. (2025, February 26). Why California High-Speed Rail is Over Budget And Delayed — And What We Should Do About It. David William Rosales.Woodruff, C. (2025). X (Formerly Twitter).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Liberation Day Part 2 has come and gone, and the U.S. has more clarity on the global trade landscape.Some of the levies will have CRE breathing easier, but some — including the 35% rate on Canada, a hugely important market for construction material imports — might be worse than the industry feared. Already, tariffs have driven construction costs up anywhere from 6% to 10%.But at least some of the uncertainty has been chipped away. How will CRE react?Cushman & Wakefield Senior Economist James Bohnaker said he expects deals to start moving forward again, though in a slow slog, not a rush. But with the U.S. is in an unprecedented macroeconomic environment, scenario planning by CRE investors is crucial.Register on Bisnow.com to join next Friday's conversation live, or check back here for the conversation after it airs.
To kick off Season 10 of the Podcast, I have a conversation with Amy Cohen and Patty Avery, two dedicated volunteers with the Families for Safe Streets organization, about how this national initiative is taking bold steps to confront the epidemic of traffic violence and change the narrative surrounding the preventable casualties of motor vehicle crashes on our streets, including policies to address the built environment and deal with the egregious of speeders and reckless drivers causing a significant amount of carnage in our communities.Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred listening platform. Also, don't forget to check out the Active Towns Channel for video content.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
Cleveland is repositioning its future as a dual waterfront city. Take a deep dive (pun intended!) as we reflect on the past, present, and future visions to transform our downtown into "Coastland".rnrnFor over a year, the local chapters of the American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Urban Land Institute (AIA, APA, ASLA and ULI) have collaborated on a topic of mutual interest and significance: our waterfronts and their connections to downtown. In summer 2025, multi-disciplinary professionals from these organizations hosted "From Cleveland to Coastland" featuring a 'design your own adventure' exploration of Cleveland's downtown, lakefront, and riverfront developments.rnrnPanelists from the Urban Land Institute, Greater Cleveland Partnership, and RDL Architects will discuss the results of the adventurers' collective experiences and expertise, offer insights on placemaking, architecture, and real estate development, and share impactful ways to transform connectivity between the shores and core.rnPanelists: Melanie Kortyka, Executive Director, Urban Land Institute Cleveland; Allison Lukacsy-Love, Managing Director, Major Projects, Greater Cleveland Partnership; Gregory Soltis, AICP, Senior Designer, RDL Architects; and moderated by Zaria Johnson, Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media
The rise of AI is pushing data centers to their limits. Calls for bigger, denser facilities are increasing and tenant power requirements are doubling in many markets.It's still not enough to meet the needs of today's market or tomorrow's users.On this episode, Bisnow National Data Center Reporter Dan Rabb said keeping the momentum of the data center boom is all about finding power. And while possible solutions abound — microgrids and nuclear among them — being provided today aren't going to come through fast enough.Register on Bisnow.com to join next Friday's conversation live, or check back here for the conversation after it airs.
Though a few brave (or crazy) pioneers have dabbled with using crypto in commercial real estate, the industry has mostly sat on the sidelines for years.The reason: not enough regulation, no stability or guardrails.This week, that started to change. The passage of the GENIUS Act to create a framework for stablecoins, plus two other bills making their way through Congress, could lead to a rapid rise of building tokenization, digital transactions and rents paid by bitcoin.On this week's episode, Savills Vice Chairman Gabe Marans said the federal framework will kick off a new era for real estate in which deals are done faster and cheaper. And he doesn't think CRE is ready for it.Register on Bisnow.com to join next Friday's conversation live, or check back here for the conversation after it airs.